The debate about the benefits and/or curse that is video games doesn’t seem to end. Are they educational or a mindless waste of time? Do they encourage strategic reasoning or destructive, violent behavior?

Underpinning this debate is an age-old truth; we fear what we don’t understand and many parents today don’t know, understand or get gaming. Why do kids have this passionate love affair with video games? How can they invest so much of themselves in blowing up zombies, decorating an igloo or slaying trolls? How do kids get their thumbs and brains to work in tandem when they can’t seem to find their way to the laundry basket?

As parents, many of us struggle with issues like appropriate game play, game systems and appropriate titles. Or maybe we’re not even part of the conversation and have allowed our kids to parent themselves through the video game landscape.What is a parent’s role in managing the video-gaming habits of their kids?

Join us at Riverdale Collegiate for an INCREDIBLE night of gaming education

We’ll explain the range of gaming options, review gaming platforms and rating guides, provide parenting strategies, and PLAY SOME GAMES!

This is a fabulous opportunity for parents to educate themselves on an activity that is defining a generation of kids.

Your own copy of Streetproof Your Child For The Internet - The Parent’s Handbook

About Steve Chapelle:

An IT professional for more than 20 years, Steve Chapelle has held technical and leadership positions in Technical Support, Operations and Production. Experience has included Microsoft, IBM and Novell operating systems, as well as both corporate and home office environments.

Feedback:

"I've attended a number of seminars and workshops on Internet safety, andSteve Chapelle's 'Streetproof YourChild for the Internet' was certainly themost practical. I left the seminarknowing what I had to do and why,and with clear, step-by-stepinstructions on how to do it. It was timewell spent."- John, parent and APSGO member(Association of Parent Support Groupsin Ontario)

“Streetproof Your Child For TheInternet’ is an excellent seminar. Stevedetails the pitfalls of internet safetyand gives clear explanations of how tomake our home computers saferplaces for our families.”- Nicole Herbert, Chair,Leslieville School Council

“Steve's information and in the formatthat he explained it all wasexceptional, easy to understand andfun.”- Charlene D, Toronto parent

Tuesday, 24 March 2009

Please join the Fun Fair Committee at our next meeting on Wed Apr 1st at 7pm in the school library. We’re still looking for more parents to join our group to make our 5th Annual Fun Fair & Ball Hockey Tournament a great event. Refreshments will be available so come out and bring your great ideas!

Sunday, 22 March 2009

Our March meeting was very well-attended and action-packed. We had two special presentations: a report from the Eco Team's Greening Committee and a visit from Superintendent Kathy Cowan who informed us about the outcomes of Earl Haig's recent decision to become a K-8 school.

Please join us for our next EBSAC meeting:Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 6:00 pm in the STAFF ROOM

Also, please save the date for our upcoming seminar:

"Streetproof Your Child for the Internet" with Steve Chapelle Monday, March 30th from 7:00 - 8:30 in the downstairs Multi-Purpose Room (lunchroom).Hope to see you there!

Live Green Toronto is a new, five-year program initiated by the City of Toronto. Live Green will

Help identify potential funding opportunities, including financial incentives and grants for programs such as, home energy retrofits; green power generation; community gardens; water and energy conservation, tree plantings and green roofs.

Assist in navigating through regulatory and other approval processes

Co-ordinate Live Green Toronto workshops to provide the know-how needed and make connections with other experts and suppliers.

Thursday, 5 March 2009

Given the overwhelming interest in bowling with friends from Earl Beatty on the Friday of March Break, we how have a full house for that date. But for those who are still interested there is a possibility of having a second bowling event on the Monday. Please email ebsacinfo@gmail.com asap if you are interested in having your kids participate (note: adult supervision required).

The cost is about $5.00 total per child, and includes a box of fruit juice and a bag of chips. Last year's event was great fun. Hope to see you there!

Tuesday, 3 March 2009

The Fun Fair committee would like to thank all the parents who attended the first meeting on Feb 4th. Your participation was greatly appreciated! We’re looking for more people to join our group to make this 5th anniversary Fun Fair the best one yet. Please come to our next meeting on Wed Mar 4th at 7-9pm, Earl Beatty’s library, to hear what the fun is all about.

About Us

Welcome to the community blog for Earl Beatty Jr & Sr Public School in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This is a place to share positive ideas and information. Please send your comments about our school community to: ebsacinfo@gmail.com